First things first, I'M BACK! Yes, it feels good to return after my LONG period of absence! XD
I apologize for any delays; uni life has been pretty hectic on me lately - and I have to agree with my pals Vic and Perry that further updates for this story will be much, much later than usual. But that does not mean I'll be giving up entirely, hell no!
Also, I've had some minor setbacks when writing this chapter, but fortunately it's all been taken care of. Thank you very much Perry, for putting up with my demands and still giving me a proper half of this chapter to work on when the going gets tough.
Ok, enough chatting from me. Enjoy! :)
Chapter 3: Homecoming
The cold, yet calm midsummer wind rustled along the suburbs that quiet evening. The trees had already begun to shed their leaves; revealing a colourful leafy fireworks display of reds and browns, yellows and oranges that swayed gently in the breeze.
Everything was quiet, even the Sevilles' household which lay a few blocks away. It might have come across anyone as a surprise, because nothing said home like a certain red-clad chipmunk's laughter, or the echoes of his father's infamous yell.
But this time, something – no, someone was missing from the scene, and how could you call it a home if all the pieces weren't together?
As always, Theodore had just finished placing his latest culinary creation on the dining table. He licked his lips, looking at the slab of brownies dressed with a special black currant sauce along its sides, and a pair of green raisins garnished on the top.
Simon was the first to sniff the intoxicating aroma as he entered the kitchen. "Something smells wonderful, Theodore! Gastronomically mouth-watering. Excellent job!"
"Whoa, is that dessert, Theo?" called Alvin, smiling ear-to-ear. "Because I think I can hear my taste buds saying 'yummy'!"
The green-clad chipmunk nodded in reply, and his two older brothers beamed with happiness. Just one look at that plate of brownies brought forth a sense of awe, as though something culinary and edible had a life of its own.
"Great job, Teddy." Alvin licked his lips. "Hey, it even has its own shape, too!"
"Y-yeah..." Theodore mumbled, "I baked it in such a way that it looked like..." but his words were already quavering in his throat. A small tear began to form out of the corner of one eye.
"Like what, Theo?" Simon asked, eagerly awaiting his answer.
"P-Phelan..."
The other two suddenly shut their mouths, eyes widened in shock.
"Is it too late to say "Oops"?" whispered Simon.
But Alvin had already looked away, biting his lower lip as a hint of guilt overcame him.
It had been almost nine months. Nine dwindling, never-ending and excruciating months to the day since the Seville family's newest member had left on a quest – one of redemption and self-discovery. And it was rather difficult for the chipmunks, particularly Alvin, to cope with the absence of Phelan from their surroundings.
There wasn't a single night that passed without Alvin dreaming about the time he, Phelan, and Soron said their goodbyes by the front door; hugging one last time like brothers should, before finally parting ways.
"Don't worry about me, guys. I'll be back before you know it. You'll see."
Those were his last words before the mahogany furred chipmunk finally vanished along with the shadows.
His disappearance left those who held him dear to their hearts broken; the newest piece to the puzzle had fallen off, leaving a hole in their hearts. It took a while to get used to, but in some strange, incomprehensible way, Phelan's separation from the darkness had left it to settle in the Seville household; a kind, numbing and forgetful wave of darkness that washed over the Chipmunks in replacement of the memories they once shared with Phelan.
And now with the past dug up once more, everything seemed to fall back into place, but at the price of cutting close to the tender roots.
"I-I'm sorry, guys... I-I just miss him so... so much..." Theodore was lost for words as he bawled his heart out, crying hysterically.
In immediate response, his brothers wrapped their arms around their youngest brother and began shushing him; their eyes stinging with beads of tears as they comforted him.
Dave must have heard the commotion, because he was there immediately on the scene like any concerned father would, and watching his sons sobbing in each other's arms brought a sharp pang to his heart. Even as a father figure, he felt just as helpless as his boys – especially when it came to matters of the family.
"Not having Phelan around must still be hard on them, I guess," Dave mumbled to himself. He sighed, resting his head on his hand as he looked at his tear-stricken sons. "Oh, what am I going to do to cheer them up?"
"I-I just wish he was still here w-w-with us..." Theodore sobbed, to which his brothers could only reply with silent nods.
Dave couldn't take it anymore. He walked up to his sons and scooped them into a comforting embrace.
"Look fellas, I know how much you miss Phelan. Believe me, so do I. But I'm pretty sure he wouldn't want us moping around and being sad just because he isn't here. Besides, he made a promise he'd come back, didn't he?"
Choking back their sobs, the three chipmunks slowly nodded in reply.
"You guys know Phelan better than anyone in the world, am I right? And when he makes a promise, he's bound to stick to it, you'll see.
"If Soron can believe in his promise, then so can you three. Believe in Phelan, and he'll be back faster than we know it. Okay?"
All remaining traces of sorrow now dissolved in the warmth of a simple group hug, and the moods of the three chipmunks suggested that no bitter past had ever happened. Their faces beamed with happiness as they joined Dave in warm laughter.
"Well, come on guys!" Theodore smiled, making his way to the dining table. "Let's eat! All that crying's made me hungry again!"
With an even heartier laugh, Simon joined him and began digging in.
"Thanks Dave," Alvin smiled, nuzzling his damp cheek on Dave's sleeve.
"Anytime, Alvin. Now come on, let's eat before Theodore and Simon finish it all, alright?"
"Hey, wait for me!"
Any further remark was lost in silence as Dave said grace and they began eating happily.
They were together right now, a family of four, but tonight, there were five chairs at the table. Though empty, that chair had always seemed to be a part of them, but just didn't feel the same in heart and soul.
While Dave put the dishes away and Simon and Theodore helped out with the washing and the drying of plates in the sink, Alvin was left all alone in the dining room.
The red-clad chipmunk was totally oblivious that dessert was over, neither was he aware that they were already clearing up. But like a crafty serpent that lashes out unexpectedly, what he had shared with Dave and his brothers brought back the sudden aching in his heart.
No words could describe how much he missed him.
I just wish I could've apologized to him better…
In his head, he saw Soron once more, hurling his sword skyward towards the vessel that once called itself the Darkness; hearing him screech in agony as the luminous blade ran through his chest, nearly ending his life had it not been for his sheer will power to live on.
And to think, after what I've done to him, he still considers me as a brother…
Dave looked at his eldest son. He seemed a little distant, clouded with emotion. Something was definitely bothering him.
"You alright, Alvin?" Dave asked, snapping the chipmunk back to his senses.
"Huh? O-oh, Dave… yeah, I-I'm fine…" Alvin mumbled, still gazing downward at his feet. But as much as he tried to conceal it, he knew Dave wasn't buying it.
"I miss him, okay? Is that a crime?" He forced the words out, not caring whether it was a shout or a mumble.
Dave said nothing, but just smiled lightly and knelt down to give his son a hug. He patted Alvin on the back while his son let his tears flow freely as he tightly wrapped his arms around his father's neck. As they hugged, a small thought came into Dave's head.
Fortunately, Simon and Theodore were watching from the kitchen entrance, and Dave acknowledged them with a wink of his eye. He broke apart from Alvin's hug and addressed his three sons.
"Come with me, you guys. I've got something I want to show you. It's a surprise."
The Chipmunks held onto Dave's hands as they were escorted into the living room. At first, they looked at each other, confused. Nothing seemed extraordinary that stood out of the place where they loved to hang out the most.
"I had this put up while you boys were cleaning after dinner," said Dave, pointing to a bright corner of the wall. "And I thought it might cheer you up a little."
Resting amongst the picturesque collage of certificates and family photos was a huge portrait that stood out in the middle. As the chipmunks looked closer, they could see a mirror image of themselves staring back at them, accompanied by the Chipettes, Soron, and most of all, Phelan. All eight of them were smiling and waving in front of the camera, completely clad in their Halloween costumes and makeup.
But it was the moment of celebration after Phelan's first debut onstage – as well as their little victory against the Darkness – that brought back a surge of longing and happiness in their eyes mingled with the savoury of nostalgia, and no Polaroid or canvas could certainly ever replace that.
"I know that look on your face, Alvin," said Simon, catching his brother's smirk. "You've got an idea for another song, am I right?"
The red-clad chipmunk nodded as he picked up his guitar and adjusted a few knobs.
"So, what are we going to sing tonight, Alvin?" Theodore asked.
Simon looked at the portrait for a while, and he lightly began to chuckle.
"What's so funny?" Theodore raised an eyebrow.
Alvin then began strumming a few chords as Simon; the picture fixed clearly in his mind, cleared his throat and began to sing:
Look at this photograph
Every time I do it makes me laugh
How did our eyes get so red?
And what the hell is on Alvin's head?
Alvin shot a glare at Simon, but continued strumming, while Theodore continued with the next verse.
And this is where we grow up
I know the present owner fixed it up
I never knew we'd ever went without
The second floor is hard for sneaking out
Alvin chuckled lightly, picturing the warm radiance of Phelan's gentle face smiling down upon him.
And this is where we go to school
Most of the time had better things to do
Criminal record says I've broke in twice
I must have done it half a dozen times
The two chipmunks glanced at their eldest brother, but kept the picture of Phelan in their minds and continued singing.
I wonder if it's too late
Should I go back and try to graduate?
Life's better now than it was back then
If I was them I wouldn't let me in
Oh oh oh
Oh God I
Every memory of looking out the back door
I have the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye
Every memory of walking out the front door
I found the photo of the friend that I was looking for
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye
With every memory they'd shared with Phelan, each one made the three of them laugh even more. Memories of the time they had slept over with the Chipettes seeped into their heads, as well as the times where they'd walk down the city streets as Alvin started the second stanza.
Remember the old arcade?
Blew every dollar that we ever made
The cops hated us hanging out
They said somebody went and burned it down
Theodore and Simon joined together in the second verse, remembering their drive to the Halloween store with their black-clad brother...
We used to listen to the radio
And sing along with every song we know
We said someday we'd find out how it feels
To sing to more than just the steering wheel
And the first time they introduced Phelan to their best friends and soul mates, the Chipettes – how could they ever forget?
Britt's the first girl he kissed
He was so nervous that he nearly missed
She's had a couple of kids since then
He hasn't seen her since God knows when
Oh oh oh
Oh God I
Every memory of looking out the back door
I have the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye
Every memory of walking out the front door
I found the photo of the friend that I was looking for
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye
Perhaps it was just their imagination, but they could almost a familiar voice; long lost, but never forgotten; combining their harmonies into a songbird of unison.
(I miss...) I miss that town
(I miss...) I miss their faces
(You can't...) You can't erase
(You can't...)You can't replace it
(I miss...) I miss it now
(I can't...) I can't believe it
(So hard...) So hard to stay
(Too hard...) Too hard to leave it
If I could I relive those days
I know the one thing that would never change
Every memory of looking out the back door
I have the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor
(Hard to say it...) It's hard to say it, time to say it
(Good-bye...)Goodbye, goodbye
Every memory of walking out the front door
I found the photo of the friend that I was looking for
(Hard to say it...) It's hard to say it, time to say it
(Good-bye...) Goodbye, goodbye
Simon and Theodore kept silent, leaving Alvin to play the final chords as he sang the last few lines.
Look at this photograph
Every time I do it makes me laugh
Every time I do it makes me...
They let the vibrant strum of the guitar resonate through the silent air for a moment, as though it was the only thing left now to remind them of their brother's presence. With heavy hearts, they turned to face the window, staring out into the bleak and desolate curtain of night.
"Phelan, wherever you are, I hope you can hear us. We miss you, but we'll always believe in you. Come back soon, okay?"
No sooner had Theodore said that then the sky was ablaze with light. The stars appeared to be dancing above all watchful eyes, decked out like the finest of celestial jewellery in their diamond whites, amethyst purples and topaz blues.
But tonight, the biggest star, which seemed brighter, purer and more beautiful than all the others put together must have decided to take a step further, as if with a mind of its own. And in the spilt second of making that choice, it painted a dazzling light across the sky, soaring closer and closer towards earth.
"A shooting star!" Now the look on Simon's face was even brighter than the streetlamps around the corner.
"What are you waiting for, guys?" said Alvin. "Let's all make a wish!"
Still starry-eyed from this miraculous wonder, Dave and his boys closed their eyes; heads bowed and crossed their hands (or paws) together in silent prayer. Though they may not have spoken their thoughts, each of them knew exactly what they were all thinking about – and that perhaps a certain distant warrior was wishing on the same star too.
Nobody paid further attention to the falling star, not even after it had crossed the threshold, out of view and perhaps vanished into nothingness.
It had spotted the Sevilles' house not far from its actual journey, where its descent would soon change the course of destiny for those who crossed paths with it...
"Well, I guess that's that," said Dave, drawing up the blinds. "You boys should be getting yourselves ready for bed now, what d'you say?"
"Can we have a game of Monopoly before bedtime, Dave? Please" Theodore's eyes lit up like a puppy's.
Dave chuckled as he patted his youngest son's head. "I don't see why not."
It was at this moment that they could suddenly feel the earth moving. Starting off with small vibrations at first, but even the natural instincts of former woodlanders like the Chipmunks could detect the increasing pressure of tremors as the living room rocked from side to side.
"You didn't wish for the tectonic plates to start shifting and swallow us all, did you Alvin?"
"Hahaha. Very funny Simon," sneered Alvin, but there was nothing comical or cynical about his expressions right now.
"Earthquake!" screamed Theodore.
Dave was in total charge. "Everybody get under the table, now!"
The four of them darted under the dining table like frightened rabbits, Dave shielding his trembling sons under his arms, all the while feeling the wrath of the earth upon them. The dreaded seconds seemed to roll into minutes; Theodore's whimpers were quickly shushed by Dave as he pulled him closer. Everybody held their breath, wishing that it would be over soon.
Just when it seemed to turn out for the worst, the Chipmunks could feel a gentle nudge.
"Hey fellas," said Dave. "I think it's finally stopped."
Cautiously, they craned their heads up as they slowly eased themselves out from the table. For a minor quake, it may have been surprising that nothing appeared to be broken or misplaced. Alvin heaved a sigh of relief.
"Guess we won't need to hire one of those insurance companies for now, huh?" His immediate response was a stare of daggers from his brothers and Dave.
"Perhaps we'd better go outside and check for any damages," suggested Simon. "I hope nobody's hurt."
"I hope so too, Simon," said Dave.
They went to the front door and turned the knob.
And stood there transfixed, glued to the spot as they stared confoundedly at the newcomer standing on their porch – not a trick of the mind as they were expecting, but their prayers had indeed been answered.
"Hey guys!" smiled Phelan, wagging his bushy tail. "I'm home!"
To Be Continued...
The song used for this chapter is Photograph by Nickelback, recommended to me by Perry. Thanks again, buddy!
P.S: Keep an eye out for that fallen star. It won't appear in the next chapter, but it plays a VERY important role in the course of this story.
Until then, I hope to update real quick and see you around real soon - fingers crossed! ;)
~ Wind